Illinois looks to trade and research links with Cork

GREATER co-operation on transatlantic research between universities and businesses is almost certainly on the cards following the visit to Cork of a high-powered trade delegation from Illinois.

That’s according to the second most powerful man in the US state, who has just concluded a three-day visit here.

Illinois lieutenant governor Pat Quinn said he was extremely impressed by what he saw and was sure many links would be established between Cork and his state as a result.

Mr Quinn, whose grandfather came from Ballymacelligott in Co Kerry, said he believed businesses in Illinois would invest in research being undertaken at UCC into renewable energy.

He is tasked with green energy research in his own state and admitted to being very impressed with the work going on at the Cork university.

“We will be looking at funding graduate exchanges between our universities,” Mr Quinn said.

Yesterday, after visiting the Tyndall Institute, Mr Quinn said he could also see scope for co-operation on a number of research projects.

“They had very interesting programmes going on there, focusing on (developing) micro-sensors and silicone fabrication.

“They were also developing micro-needles, which will provide more targeted chemotherapy, focusing the radiation to (cells) where it is needed,” he said.

He pointed out that researchers on both sides of the Atlantic had similar goals and could co-operate.

“We may be separated by long distances, but with modern technology such a video-conferencing this co-operation could be achieved. But maybe from time to time we could hold joint symposiums, because it’s also good to have face-to-face gatherings,” he said.

Cork County Council hosted the Illinois delegation’s visit in an effort to foster even more co-operation between the two regions.

The latest visit is one of a number made by representatives of the US state, who in the past have concentrated on developing tourism and IT links.

County manager Martin Riordan said he was very pleased with the way the networking was proceeding. He was hopeful it would lead to the creation of jobs for future generations.